Difference between revisions of "Jet Li"
| (22 intermediate revisions by one other user not shown) | |||
| Line 6: | Line 6: | ||
== Biography == | == Biography == | ||
| − | I was born in Beijing April 26, 1963 by the name of Li Lian Jie, My eventual screen name of Jet came from a nickname I received early on due to the jet like speed | + | [[File:Jet_Li(1).jpg|200px|thumb|right| Jet Li at the preview of the film The Warlords at SF World Cinema, CentralWorld, Bangkok.]] |
| + | |||
| + | [[File:Jet Li.jpg|300px|thumb|right|]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[File: Li.jpg|300px|thumb|right|]] | ||
| + | |||
| + | I was born in Beijing April 26, 1963 by the name of Li Lian Jie, My eventual screen name of Jet came from a nickname I received early on due to the jet like speed with which I could move my arms during martial arts attacks. I am the youngest of five kids and my father died shortly after my birth at the age of two: | ||
"Yeah, I was such a good kid. My family consisted of my mother, two older sisters and two older brothers. I was the youngest. When I was two years old, my father passed away, so I never knew my father's picture in my mind. Because I was the smallest, my mother never allowed me to go swimming or ride the bicycle. Any risky activity -- any kind of exercise that was even slightly dangerous -- was off-limits. So while kids my age were out playing in the street, this docile little boy stayed inside. "Don't touch that!" adults would tell me, and it would never occur to me to touch it. "Don't eat that!" -- and I would leave it alone. Those are my earliest memories. That's the kind of environment I grew up in" (Li). | "Yeah, I was such a good kid. My family consisted of my mother, two older sisters and two older brothers. I was the youngest. When I was two years old, my father passed away, so I never knew my father's picture in my mind. Because I was the smallest, my mother never allowed me to go swimming or ride the bicycle. Any risky activity -- any kind of exercise that was even slightly dangerous -- was off-limits. So while kids my age were out playing in the street, this docile little boy stayed inside. "Don't touch that!" adults would tell me, and it would never occur to me to touch it. "Don't eat that!" -- and I would leave it alone. Those are my earliest memories. That's the kind of environment I grew up in" (Li). | ||
| Line 18: | Line 24: | ||
'No,' I blurted out. 'I don't want to protect any individual. When I grow up, I want to defend my one billion Chinese countrymen!' People were stunned. There was an uncomfortable silence. Nobody had expected me to give that kind of an answer-least of all myself" (Li). | 'No,' I blurted out. 'I don't want to protect any individual. When I grow up, I want to defend my one billion Chinese countrymen!' People were stunned. There was an uncomfortable silence. Nobody had expected me to give that kind of an answer-least of all myself" (Li). | ||
| − | My popularity eventually led to a successful film career and at a young age I starred in my first film, Shaolin Temple(1982). In 1986 I starred in my directorial debut Born to Defense (1986) which was a commercial failure, but still respected for its realistic use of martial arts. I then starred in over twenty popular Chinese movies before starting a successful acting career in America beginning with my role as a major villain in Lethal Weapon 4 (1994). Since then I have starred in many more American and Chinese films alike as well as serving as producer on many other films. In 1987 I married Qiuyan Huang and had two children we divorced in 1990 and nine years later I married my present wife Nina Li Chi and we have two children together. | + | My popularity from the wushu academy eventually led to a successful film career and at a young age I starred in my first film, Shaolin Temple(1982). In 1986 I even starred in my directorial debut Born to Defense (1986) which was a commercial failure, but still respected for its realistic use of martial arts. I then starred in over twenty popular Chinese movies before starting a successful acting career in America beginning with my role as a major villain in Lethal Weapon 4 (1994). Since then I have starred in many more American and Chinese films alike as well as serving as producer on many other films. In 1987 I married Qiuyan Huang and had two children we divorced in 1990 and nine years later I married my present wife Nina Li Chi and we have two children together. |
I feel that I have proven to be a martial arts star who has relied more on my serious acting ability than I have my comedic ability. My films have shown a great range in character types and many different forms of martial arts. I am a practicing Buddhist and I live my life by that religion. When looking at my movies I believe that three specific films encompass my personal philosophies on life: “"Everything I want to say is in those three movies, the message of Hero(2002) is that your personal suffering is not as important as the suffering of your country. The point of Danny the Dog [Unleashed] (2006) is that violence is not a solution. Fearless is actually about personal growth — about a guy who decides that in the end his greatest enemy is himself" (AsianBite). | I feel that I have proven to be a martial arts star who has relied more on my serious acting ability than I have my comedic ability. My films have shown a great range in character types and many different forms of martial arts. I am a practicing Buddhist and I live my life by that religion. When looking at my movies I believe that three specific films encompass my personal philosophies on life: “"Everything I want to say is in those three movies, the message of Hero(2002) is that your personal suffering is not as important as the suffering of your country. The point of Danny the Dog [Unleashed] (2006) is that violence is not a solution. Fearless is actually about personal growth — about a guy who decides that in the end his greatest enemy is himself" (AsianBite). | ||
| Line 25: | Line 31: | ||
== Quotes == | == Quotes == | ||
| + | |||
| + | [[File:Jackie_Chan_2002-ptrait.jpg|300px|thumb|right|U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Lee M. McCaskill. Click [http://www.navy.mil/view_single.asp?id=3581 here] for original source.]] | ||
“I think today’s world has become smaller, and family movies work for Asian audiences and American audiences, because when you play in the other kind of movie, maybe some movies only work for Western [audiences], they don’t really work in Asia” (aintitcool.com). | “I think today’s world has become smaller, and family movies work for Asian audiences and American audiences, because when you play in the other kind of movie, maybe some movies only work for Western [audiences], they don’t really work in Asia” (aintitcool.com). | ||
| Line 35: | Line 43: | ||
“We are a global family. The religion is different, the languages are different but we are human beings and we need to help each other” (imdb). | “We are a global family. The religion is different, the languages are different but we are human beings and we need to help each other” (imdb). | ||
| + | "Some movies I’m involved a lot. Like DANNY THE DOG [Fearless], I really want to make a movie to tell people if your physical skill’s very well, like you can hurt people, but if you don’t understand human life, friendship, family value, you know, you become a dog, if you only live to hurt people. So that’s why I make that movie, which I personally like very much, but it’s not been successful everywhere. [Laughs] So some movies I do are very commercial, you know, just be the actor, just do the job, but some movies I really want to tell the story there, tell my personal beliefs, like FEARLESS, that kind of film" (aintitcool.com). | ||
| + | |||
| + | "In FEARLESS I just involved everything, and I told all my beliefs in the movie, why you’re learning martial arts and what martial arts are for, how it’s not just revenge and to hurt the others, and you don’t need to always be physical. If you need to beat up anybody, it’s yourself, because the most dangerous enemy is yourself. So I taught everything in the movie. Since then I’ve decided that movies are just my work. I didn’t stay as much involved as in the past. So I’m more focused on the philosophy now in my daily life" (aintitcool.com). | ||
| + | |||
| + | ==Commentary== | ||
| + | Jet Li has proven to be one of the most prominent martial arts figures in western film. With his U.S. movie debut in Lethal Weapon 4 he proved that he could be one of the most important Chinese actors appearing in American film. His popularity in America has grown substantially since then and he has recently starred in the huge blockbusters The Expendables and The Expendables 2. One of the most important aspects of his acting career is that he has proven himself to be a far more serious and capable actor in America than other popular Chinese martial arts actors. | ||
| + | One important aspect of Jet Li as a martial artist and an actor is that he has a very pacifist point of view towards real life and violent confrontation: | ||
| + | |||
| + | “Situations always vary. It is hard to say under what circumstances it is right or wrong to use martial arts against someone else. Of course, generally speaking, avoiding conflict and resorting to lawful authorities are always the best means of dealing with a dangerous situation. If a robber holds a gun to you and wants your money, it is better to give him the money than to risk your life. A gun outdoes years of martial arts training in a split second. Like I've said many times before, it is important to differentiate between movies and reality” (Li). | ||
| + | |||
| + | Li sees his use of martial arts more as a way of life than as a tool for combat. He believes that wushu is more about a state of mind than violence. The fame that he has gained through martial arts, for him, has more to do with his career choice and good fortune than it does his ability to fight actual people. | ||
| + | |||
| + | “Fame means different things during different periods of your life. Of course, there is a good side and a bad side to fame -- fame gives a lot, but it also takes a lot away. These days, I don't pay any attention to fame and fortune. Fame is given by others and not something I have any control over. I try to do what I think I should be doing and don't pay much attention to what others may say” (Li). | ||
| + | |||
| + | It is important that we see Li as a man whose understanding of his own career goes far beyond what people might initially think of it. He is utilizing his craft as a way of life that helps him become a master of the martial arts as well as a fantastic actor. | ||
| + | Jet Li is also an important Chinese actor in American and chinese films as he has been able to show the world that while he is primarily an action movie star, he also has the ability to be a compelling dramatic actor as well. He has received several best actor awards as well as been nominated for several actors. Jet Li has proven time and time again that while he is capable of great physical feats that he is more than just punching, kicking, and stunts. While figures such as Jackie Chan have reserved most of their dramatic acting specifically for Chinese films, Jet Li has shown a strong dramatic screen presence in American films as well. With American movies like Unleashed(2006), Kiss of the Dragon(2001), and The One(2001) Li has proved that he is more capable as an actor than most Chinese martial artists starring in American films. | ||
| + | |||
| + | Li has clearly been a strong and important presence in American and Chinese Cinema alike and will most likely prove to be an even stronger presence in the future. With his martial arts abilities combined with his acting ability no one knows what kinds of important things he may do in coming years. | ||
== Filmography == | == Filmography == | ||
| Line 198: | Line 224: | ||
1993 Last Hero in China (producer) | 1993 Last Hero in China (producer) | ||
| − | 1993 The Legend (producer - as Li Yang-Chung) | + | 1993 The Legend (producer - as Li Yang-Chung) |
| + | http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001472/?ref_=sr_1 | ||
== Awards and Honors == | == Awards and Honors == | ||
| Line 227: | Line 254: | ||
* Li, Jet. "Let's start at the beginning". Essays. JetLi.com. Retrieved July 30, 2010. | * Li, Jet. "Let's start at the beginning". Essays. JetLi.com. Retrieved July 30, 2010. | ||
| − | + | * Li, Jet. "Life Essay: Part 2". Essays. JetLi.com. Retrieved July 30, 2010. | |
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | + | * Li, Jet. "Life Essay: Part 9". Essays. JetLi.com. Retrieved July 30, 2010. | |
| − | www. | + | *http://www.aintitcool.com/node/37715 |
| − | www. | + | *http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001472/bio |
| + | *www.youtube.com | ||
== Classroom presentations == | == Classroom presentations == | ||
*[[Media:Jet_Li_by_Matt_C.pptx]] | *[[Media:Jet_Li_by_Matt_C.pptx]] | ||
Latest revision as of 08:19, 2 March 2013
Biography
.jpg)
I was born in Beijing April 26, 1963 by the name of Li Lian Jie, My eventual screen name of Jet came from a nickname I received early on due to the jet like speed with which I could move my arms during martial arts attacks. I am the youngest of five kids and my father died shortly after my birth at the age of two:
"Yeah, I was such a good kid. My family consisted of my mother, two older sisters and two older brothers. I was the youngest. When I was two years old, my father passed away, so I never knew my father's picture in my mind. Because I was the smallest, my mother never allowed me to go swimming or ride the bicycle. Any risky activity -- any kind of exercise that was even slightly dangerous -- was off-limits. So while kids my age were out playing in the street, this docile little boy stayed inside. "Don't touch that!" adults would tell me, and it would never occur to me to touch it. "Don't eat that!" -- and I would leave it alone. Those are my earliest memories. That's the kind of environment I grew up in" (Li).
In 1971 when I was eight years old I was selected from my schoolmates to be part of the Beijing wushu academy and was enrolled alongside people two and three years older than me. I quickly became a renowned competitor in wushu tournaments and gained fame and recognition at an early age. By the age of twelve I had won an important competition in China:
"My winning first place caused quite a sensation, because I was so young. I was 12 years old, and the other two medallists were in their mid- to late twenties. During the awards ceremony, as I stood on the top step of the podium, I was still shorter than the 2nd and 3rd place medallists. It must have been quite a sight" (Edwards and Jeffreys)
Soon after that I became a full time trainee at the wushu academy. I slept in the dormitory there and trained rigorously throughout the day, my coach at the time was very harsh and strict. Eventually I traveled to America and performed there. I was even able to perform for Richard Nixon: "The last stop and climax of our U.S. tour was Washington, D.C., where a select few from our team performed our wushu routines on the White House lawn. After the performance, we were officially introduced to the American dignitaries and posed with them for official pictures. As I remember, President Richard Nixon stood with one of my female teammates, and I stood next to Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. At one point, Nixon turned towards me and said, 'Young man, your kung fu is very impressive! How about being my bodyguard when you grow up?' 'No,' I blurted out. 'I don't want to protect any individual. When I grow up, I want to defend my one billion Chinese countrymen!' People were stunned. There was an uncomfortable silence. Nobody had expected me to give that kind of an answer-least of all myself" (Li).
My popularity from the wushu academy eventually led to a successful film career and at a young age I starred in my first film, Shaolin Temple(1982). In 1986 I even starred in my directorial debut Born to Defense (1986) which was a commercial failure, but still respected for its realistic use of martial arts. I then starred in over twenty popular Chinese movies before starting a successful acting career in America beginning with my role as a major villain in Lethal Weapon 4 (1994). Since then I have starred in many more American and Chinese films alike as well as serving as producer on many other films. In 1987 I married Qiuyan Huang and had two children we divorced in 1990 and nine years later I married my present wife Nina Li Chi and we have two children together.
I feel that I have proven to be a martial arts star who has relied more on my serious acting ability than I have my comedic ability. My films have shown a great range in character types and many different forms of martial arts. I am a practicing Buddhist and I live my life by that religion. When looking at my movies I believe that three specific films encompass my personal philosophies on life: “"Everything I want to say is in those three movies, the message of Hero(2002) is that your personal suffering is not as important as the suffering of your country. The point of Danny the Dog [Unleashed] (2006) is that violence is not a solution. Fearless is actually about personal growth — about a guy who decides that in the end his greatest enemy is himself" (AsianBite).
Although Jet Li has starred in martial arts roles since 2006 he claimed in interviews at the time that he was done with martial arts: “I stepped into the martial arts movie market when I was only 16. I think I have proved my ability in this field and it won't make sense for me to continue for another five or 10 years. Fearless (2006) is a conclusion to my life as a martial arts star” (imdb). Whether or not he is planning on continuing doing more roles with martial arts is unknown. Only time will tell if he will take his career into more of a serious direction.
Quotes
“I think today’s world has become smaller, and family movies work for Asian audiences and American audiences, because when you play in the other kind of movie, maybe some movies only work for Western [audiences], they don’t really work in Asia” (aintitcool.com).
“So some movies I do are very commercial, you know, just be the actor, just do the job, but some movies I really want to tell the story there, tell my personal beliefs, like FEARLESS, that kind of film” (imdb).
“I have met Jackie Chan about 6 times up 'til now . . . and even though many people think we are natural enemies, I personally think he is a cool bloke and would honestly love to work with him in a film one time - that would a well brilliant movie!” (imdb).
“We are a global family. The religion is different, the languages are different but we are human beings and we need to help each other” (imdb).
"Some movies I’m involved a lot. Like DANNY THE DOG [Fearless], I really want to make a movie to tell people if your physical skill’s very well, like you can hurt people, but if you don’t understand human life, friendship, family value, you know, you become a dog, if you only live to hurt people. So that’s why I make that movie, which I personally like very much, but it’s not been successful everywhere. [Laughs] So some movies I do are very commercial, you know, just be the actor, just do the job, but some movies I really want to tell the story there, tell my personal beliefs, like FEARLESS, that kind of film" (aintitcool.com).
"In FEARLESS I just involved everything, and I told all my beliefs in the movie, why you’re learning martial arts and what martial arts are for, how it’s not just revenge and to hurt the others, and you don’t need to always be physical. If you need to beat up anybody, it’s yourself, because the most dangerous enemy is yourself. So I taught everything in the movie. Since then I’ve decided that movies are just my work. I didn’t stay as much involved as in the past. So I’m more focused on the philosophy now in my daily life" (aintitcool.com).
Commentary
Jet Li has proven to be one of the most prominent martial arts figures in western film. With his U.S. movie debut in Lethal Weapon 4 he proved that he could be one of the most important Chinese actors appearing in American film. His popularity in America has grown substantially since then and he has recently starred in the huge blockbusters The Expendables and The Expendables 2. One of the most important aspects of his acting career is that he has proven himself to be a far more serious and capable actor in America than other popular Chinese martial arts actors. One important aspect of Jet Li as a martial artist and an actor is that he has a very pacifist point of view towards real life and violent confrontation:
“Situations always vary. It is hard to say under what circumstances it is right or wrong to use martial arts against someone else. Of course, generally speaking, avoiding conflict and resorting to lawful authorities are always the best means of dealing with a dangerous situation. If a robber holds a gun to you and wants your money, it is better to give him the money than to risk your life. A gun outdoes years of martial arts training in a split second. Like I've said many times before, it is important to differentiate between movies and reality” (Li).
Li sees his use of martial arts more as a way of life than as a tool for combat. He believes that wushu is more about a state of mind than violence. The fame that he has gained through martial arts, for him, has more to do with his career choice and good fortune than it does his ability to fight actual people.
“Fame means different things during different periods of your life. Of course, there is a good side and a bad side to fame -- fame gives a lot, but it also takes a lot away. These days, I don't pay any attention to fame and fortune. Fame is given by others and not something I have any control over. I try to do what I think I should be doing and don't pay much attention to what others may say” (Li).
It is important that we see Li as a man whose understanding of his own career goes far beyond what people might initially think of it. He is utilizing his craft as a way of life that helps him become a master of the martial arts as well as a fantastic actor. Jet Li is also an important Chinese actor in American and chinese films as he has been able to show the world that while he is primarily an action movie star, he also has the ability to be a compelling dramatic actor as well. He has received several best actor awards as well as been nominated for several actors. Jet Li has proven time and time again that while he is capable of great physical feats that he is more than just punching, kicking, and stunts. While figures such as Jackie Chan have reserved most of their dramatic acting specifically for Chinese films, Jet Li has shown a strong dramatic screen presence in American films as well. With American movies like Unleashed(2006), Kiss of the Dragon(2001), and The One(2001) Li has proved that he is more capable as an actor than most Chinese martial artists starring in American films.
Li has clearly been a strong and important presence in American and Chinese Cinema alike and will most likely prove to be an even stronger presence in the future. With his martial arts abilities combined with his acting ability no one knows what kinds of important things he may do in coming years.
Filmography
ACTOR
???? The Expendables 3 (announced) Yin Yang (rumored)
2012 The Expendables 2 Yin Yang
2011 Flying Swords of Dragon Gate Zhao Huai'an
2011 The Sorcerer and the White Snake Abott Fahai
2010 The Expendables Yin Yang
2010 Ocean Heaven Wang Xingchang
2009 The Founding of a Republic Chen Shaokuan
2008 The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor Emperor
2008 The Forbidden Kingdom The Monkey King / The Silent Monk
2007 The Warlords General Pang Qingyun (as Lianjie Li)
2007 War Rogue
2006 Fearless Huo Yuanjia
2005 Unleashed Danny
2003 Rise to Honor (Video Game) Kit Yun (voice)
2003 Cradle 2 the Grave Su
2002 Hero Nameless
2001 The One Gabe Law / Gabriel Yulaw / Lawless
2001 Kiss of the Dragon Liu Jian
2000 Romeo Must Die Han Sing
1998 Lethal Weapon 4 Wah Sing Ku
1998 Contract Killer Fu
1997 Once Upon a Time in China and America Wong Fei-Hung
1996 Black Mask Tsui Chik / Black Mask
1996 Dr. Wai in the Scriptures with No Words Chow Si-Kit
1995 Meltdown Kit Li
1995 The Enforcer Kung Wei
1994 Fist of Legend Chen Zhen
1994 The Defender Allan Hui Ching-yeung / John Chang
1994 Legend of the Red Dragon Hung Hei-Kwun
1993 The Evil Cult Chang Mo Kei (as Lin-kit Lee)
1993 Tai-Chi Master Junbao
1993 The Legend II Fong Sai Yuk
1993 Last Hero in China Wong Fei-hung (as Lin-kit Lee)
1993 The Legend Fong Sai-Yuk
1993 Once Upon a Time in China III Wong Fei-hung
1992 The Master Jet
1992 Once Upon a Time in China II Wong Fei-Hung
1992 The Legend of the Swordsman Ling Wu Chung
1991 Once Upon a Time in China Wong Fei-hung
1989 Dragon Fight Jimmy Lee (as Jet Lee)
1988 Abbot Hai Teng of Shaolin
1986 Shaolin Temple 3: Martial Arts of Shaolin Zhi Ming
1986 Born to Defense Jet
1984 Shaolin Temple 2: Kids from Shaolin San Lung
1982 The Shaolin Temple Chieh Yuan
PRODUCER Fearless (producer)
2005 Unleashed (producer)
2001 Invincible (TV movie) (executive producer)
2001 Kiss of the Dragon (associate producer)
1994 Fist of Legend (executive producer, producer)
1994 The Defender (producer - as Li Yang Chung)
1994 Legend of the Red Dragon (producer)
1993 The Evil Cult (producer)
1993 Tai-Chi Master (producer)
1993 The Legend II (executive producer - as Li Yang Chung)
1993 Last Hero in China (producer)
1993 The Legend (producer - as Li Yang-Chung)
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001472/?ref_=sr_1
Awards and Honors
1995 Golden Horse Film Festival, Best Actor
2007 HKFCS Award, Best Actor
2008 Hong Kong Film Award, Best Actor
2008 Shanghai Film Critics Award, Best Actor
Jet Li Videoclips
Jet vs. Jackie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcPJ5qSnrEI
Jet in Lethal Weapon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=adnXzutxWcQ
Jet vs. Donnie Yen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTsKEgUJyUQ
References
- Li, Jet. "Let's start at the beginning". Essays. JetLi.com. Retrieved July 30, 2010.
- Li, Jet. "Life Essay: Part 2". Essays. JetLi.com. Retrieved July 30, 2010.
- Li, Jet. "Life Essay: Part 9". Essays. JetLi.com. Retrieved July 30, 2010.
- www.youtube.com